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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Waxing before planned c section

28 replies

Annie105 · 26/07/2016 16:50

Hi all I'm booking in some beauty treatments before baby and was wondering if any of you had a bikini wax before a c section? I haven't waxed at all during the pregnancy (did prior) just been using my bikini trimmer. I hate the thought of shaving and stubbly hairs growing into my wound!! Is it ok to wax less than 2 weeks before c section date my midwife doesn't really know! Thanks

OP posts:
NaffOffMartha · 26/07/2016 16:52

This is an odd answer but many years back I had to shave for groin surgery. Not waxing of course. But I didn't have any issues with ingrown hairs etc in/around the incision site. I hope that helps slightly Confused

AuntieStella · 26/07/2016 16:58

I wouldn't wax once you're close to your due date.

Even if you're used to it in your non-pg state, you can go far more sensitive during, and an angry undercarriage is the last thing you need.

Just shave any bits they're likely to stick things to (as for any other surgery)

Onehellofaride · 26/07/2016 17:00

I waxed the week before both my ECS (one at 35+4 and one at 37+4) with no issues.

wobblywonderwoman · 26/07/2016 17:01

I just used veet sensitive (two c sections) abd was fine. I dont think I would wax. The pain Grin

Good luck with everything

Wondermoomin · 26/07/2016 17:04

I did and it was fine Smile

KatoPotato · 26/07/2016 17:06

At my appointment to get my section date I was told explicitly not shave or wax down below!

kiwiscantfly · 26/07/2016 17:08

When I had my first ELCS five years ago(in the UK) they suggested I veet down to a certain point. I've since had two more in NZ and have had to clipper cut along my scar (or they do it very nicely before) they don't want it shaved bald.

Wondermoomin · 26/07/2016 17:09

Mine was emergency c section so they didn't have the opportunity to tell me not to... It didn't seem to cause any issue though...
If you're not hair-free around the wound site the midwife will shave you pre-op - I'd rather go for a wax than have a dry-shave with a cheap Bic razor

Fomalhaut · 26/07/2016 17:13

No! Don't do it. It makes you much more prone to skin infection.
I was told by the hospital not to wax, shave, epilate etc close to the date of the op.
They will just use sterilised clippers on you, but don't shave.

Loulou0 · 26/07/2016 17:13

Yes I had the lot waxed 3 days before my planned c section. It'll most likely be weeks months before you feel like having it done post op

Wondermoomin · 26/07/2016 17:16

Sterilised clippers? Have things changed? For my emergency c section just over 5 years ago they dry-shaved the top bit with a basic Bic razor. I got waxed for the next baby, another emergency c section, and no clippers or razors required pre-op.

Racheyg · 26/07/2016 17:25

I wax without fail every 4 weeks and I've had 2 emcs. Both within 1 week of giving birth. No issues or problems.

Good luck op

sonlypuppyfat · 26/07/2016 17:34

I've never ever touched my public hair, as I think it's more than strange but when I had an EMCS I was shaved along the incision line

Fomalhaut · 26/07/2016 17:37

My hospital are big on infection control. You're told to wash the night before and the morning of, to wear clean clothes and sleep on fresh bedsheets. Over shoe things worn by all visitors, etc. I was told not to shave as it increases the risk of infection.
They have very, very low hospital infection rates

Wintersummerwintersummer · 26/07/2016 18:24

At my section 2 years ago I was told to shave the lot off the night before- the alternative is that a healthcare assistants does it for you with a crappy blunt razor. I wanted to spare myself that ordeal. I didn't notice it growing back / itching at all. I really wouldn't wax this late on

reallyanotherone · 26/07/2016 18:32

I wasn't shaved for either of my c-sections (1 emcs, 1 elcs). I was at a top London University Hospital.

Up to date thinking is that hair removal causes micro abrasions and tears, increasing infection risk. Studies show better results when pubic hair is left intact.

I have to say my scar is incredibly neat and really difficult to see now. I had no issues with ingrowing hair.

AnnaT45 · 26/07/2016 20:32

I remember when being wheeled in before EMCS a theatre nurse lifting the sheet up and saying 'do we need to shave you? No? You're good' thank goodness I got a wax the week before! They said they shave the area where the incision is. Maybe check your hospital's policy? It seems to vary

I'm due an ELCS Monday and having a wax on Thursday. I think if you're used to them it's fine but I wouldn't recommend getting a Brazilian when pregnant if you've not had one before!

Duckstar · 26/07/2016 20:35

I was told for my ELCS in February not to shave, wax before as it increased risk of infection.

5madthings · 26/07/2016 20:35

No you aren't supposed to wax or shave as it increases infection risk. I had emcs 16 wks ago and they don't shave you anymore because of infection risk, if they need to they will trim to make hair shorter but that wasn't necessary for me as I trim anyway.

AnnaT45 · 26/07/2016 20:40

Hmm I've got an app tomorrow so I'll check what hospital says. My last one was only 18 months ago but maybe it's changed! I just prefer less hair as its cleaner after

Buggerlugs123 · 26/07/2016 20:40

I had one before my 2nd CS as I had the crappy razor with my 1st ECS-highly recommend-much more comfy.

AnnaT45 · 26/07/2016 20:40

Hmm I've got an app tomorrow so I'll check what hospital says. My last one was only 18 months ago but maybe it's changed! I just prefer less hair as its cleaner after

reallyanotherone · 26/07/2016 21:26

Hmm I've got an app tomorrow so I'll check what hospital says. My last one was only 18 months ago but maybe it's changed! I just prefer less hair as its cleaner after

technically it's not cleaner as the micro abrasions and tears mean bacteria and other "dirt" can get in and hide more easily, setting up an infection.

Mine was 10 years ago, so this isn't a new thing. It's probably down to whether your hospital sticks to "what it's always done", or how fast it implements changes in best practice.

Like Fomal, my hospital was very big on post-op infection control, no hair removal, and before my ELCS I had to shower with hibiscrub in the evening, sleep on clean sheets, shower and hair wash again with hibiscrub again in the morning. They have very low post-op infection, including MRSA and strep B.

Glomerulus · 26/07/2016 21:32

Like pp have said - check with your hospital. I waxed 3 days before elcs as was instructed to remove hair- the alternative would have been the midwife having a go Blush

Didn't notice any difference in terms of pain during pg and before tbh.

bonzo77 · 26/07/2016 21:38

I wouldn't do anything much to the op site. I would definitely wax or trim my undercarriage! You bleed after a cs just like a normal birth and it's much easier to keep clean / fresh without loads of pubes. Had 3 CS, first was an emcs, but I had waxed. Second two were planned but short notice (a few days) and I just trimmed with DH's beard trimmer.